A Whatsits from the Farm?

A Whatsits from the Farm?

Article excerpt

Donald Trivette sent this wooden tool to The Chronicle, suggesting that it might be agriculture-related. It is 7 ½ inches at its longest point, 4 ½ inches high, and 3 inches wide (Figure 1). Three fingers fit easily into the three holes in the base, so it seems as if that was how the tool was meant to be used. One of the finger holes is smaller, which would make one think it was meant to accommodate the pinkie finger Assuming the tool was used by a right-handed person, there are several questions to be resolved. With the horn pointing up and the right-handed person's pinky is in the small hole, then the palm is against the flat part of the tool. Mr. Trivette points out, however, that holding it thusly feels awkward.

A more likely position, he believes, would be to place it in the left hand (Figure 2). He notes that with the left hand in the finger holes, fingers curled back, palm up, and horn down (Figure 3), and then gripping the horn with the right hand someone could perhaps chisel into a soft material. …